Aleksandar Kolarov

Aleksandar Kolarov is a Serbian former professional footballer and current assistant coach at Inter Milan. Born on November 10, 1985, in Zemun, he built a reputation as one of the most feared left-backs of his generation, known for his thunderous left foot and pinpoint free kicks. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, he won league titles in both England and Italy, and earned 94 caps for Serbia.

Today, Kolarov works alongside head coach Cristian Chivu at Inter, where he has already added a Serie A title to his collection as part of the coaching staff. His transition from player to coach has been seamless, and he is widely respected for his tactical intelligence and calm authority on the touchline. [edit]

Aleksandar Kolarov grew up in Zemun, a municipality of Belgrade, during the turbulent years of the Yugoslav Wars. In a deeply personal essay for The Players' Tribune in 2018, titled "The Nights the Earth Would Shake," he described how the bombing of Belgrade shaped his childhood. Football became both an escape and a lifeline. As he wrote, "As my brother and I grew up, and as the war became a bigger part of our lives, we understood football was an opportunity we could not waste."

He began his youth career with Red Star Belgrade's academy, but his senior breakthrough came after moving to Čukarički and then OFK Beograd. At OFK Beograd, he developed into a promising left-back, catching the attention of scouts from Italy's Serie A. His performances in the Serbian top flight laid the foundation for a move that would change the course of his career. [edit]

Kolarov's move to Lazio in 2007 marked his arrival in Serie A. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most exciting young full-backs, helping the club win the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2009. His attacking runs and set-piece prowess made him a standout, and it wasn't long before bigger clubs came calling.

In July 2010, he signed for Manchester City, a transfer that would define the peak of his career. Over seven seasons at the Etihad, he won two Premier League titles (2011–12 and 2013–14), an FA Cup in 2011, and a League Cup in 2014. His stunning free kick against Napoli in the 2011–12 Champions League remains one of his most celebrated goals.

After a brief return to Serie A with Roma in 2017, he joined Inter Milan in 2020 for his final two seasons as a player. He retired in 2022 and immediately transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming Chivu's assistant. In March 2026, he took charge of a Serie A match against Fiorentina in Chivu's absence, guiding Inter to a 1-1 draw while maintaining their six-point lead at the top of the table. [edit]

Kolarov's public image is that of a no-nonsense, dedicated professional. When Roma signed him in 2017, one fan blog noted, "Don't let his dour expression fool you", a testament to his serious on-pitch demeanor that belied his quality. He is respected for his professionalism, his powerful left foot, and his loyalty to the Serbian national team, which he captained.

His coaching persona, as portrayed in Italian media, is that of a trusted lieutenant, "Chivu's voice of conscience" and "shadow on the touchline." He has shown himself willing to defend his team publicly, pushing back against criticism while maintaining a measured, professional tone. [edit]

Aleksandar Kolarov never cultivated a singular, organized fan club with a specific name or coordinated rituals. His support base remains an organic mosaic of supporters from his former clubs, Manchester City, AS Roma, and Inter Milan, and the Serbian national team. While he maintains a presence on social media with dedicated fan pages, these reflect general engagement rather than a structured movement or unique subculture. The most enduring legend surrounding him is not a mythical tale but a verified sporting moment: his thunderous free-kick against Napoli in 2011. That strike, celebrated for its sheer distance and power, ended a stalemate in the Champions League and cemented his reputation as a player who could change games with a single touch. His eight-year tenure at Manchester City further wove him into the club's lore, with the institution itself commemorating his arrival anniversary years later. Today, as an assistant coach at Inter Milan, he is viewed by many as a steady voice of conscience, guiding the next generation with the same pragmatism that defined his playing days. This transition from feared defender to respected strategist has kept him relevant without requiring a formalized fan identity. He stands as a figure of professional consistency rather than chaotic adoration. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Aleksandar Kolarov is currently the 16th most famous person from Serbia, holding this position steadily through recent cycles.[edit]

Kolarov's Players' Tribune essay remains one of the most personal accounts by a professional footballer regarding growing up during the Yugoslav Wars. His spectacular free kick against Napoli in 2011 is still promoted by UEFA as a career-defining moment. He secured trophies across three distinct competitions: Italy (Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Serie A as coach), England (Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup), and internationally with Serbia. Although FotMob lists his birth date as November 9, 1985, most sources cite November 10. Despite being a defender, he was renowned for his attacking contributions, particularly his powerful left-footed strikes from distance. A widely retold story from his career involves his long-range goal against Napoli during the 2011–2012 UEFA Champions League group stage. This strike effectively ended a stalemate and secured a vital victory for Manchester City, often cited by pundits as one of the greatest goals in Champions League history. Another chapter of his legacy includes his eight-season tenure at Manchester City, where he made 165 appearances and became a symbol of reliability. In 2026, the club commemorated the 16th anniversary of his arrival with a quiz feature, signaling lasting institutional respect.[edit]

Kolarov grew up in Zemun with his parents and a brother, who was a significant presence in his life. His Players' Tribune essay reveals that the two shared a childhood marked by the hardships of war, and football was a family passion that helped them endure difficult times. Details about his current household, including any spouse or children, are not publicly documented, as he has kept his personal life deliberately private. [edit]

Kolarov works closely with Cristian Chivu, the head coach at Inter Milan, who was also a former teammate. During his time at Inter, he has interacted with players like Pio Esposito, who scored in the March 2026 Fiorentina match, and Cher Ndour, who equalized for Fiorentina. [edit]

Public information about Kolarov's romantic relationships is extremely limited. Unlike many high-profile footballers, he has maintained a notably private personal life throughout his career. There are no well-documented public relationships, marriages, or dating history reported in credible media sources. He has kept his romantic life out of the public eye, and no verified information is available about a current partner, spouse, or children as of 2026. Based on available reporting, his relationship status cannot be confirmed from public sources, and he appears to maintain a deliberately private personal life away from the spotlight. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Aleksandar Kolarov's net worth in 2026 at $20 Million. This figure reflects earnings built primarily through his long playing career and current coaching role. His seven seasons at Manchester City occurred during the club's era of heavy investment, featuring Premier League wages that were among the highest in the world at the time. Subsequent contracts at Roma and Inter in Serie A added significantly to his earnings, alongside endorsement deals with Serbian and Italian brands. Since retiring in 2022, he has earned a professional coaching salary as assistant coach at Inter Milan. While specific figures remain private, his cumulative earnings from nearly two decades at the top level easily support this estimate. His financial standing mirrors both his on-pitch success and his seamless transition into coaching.[edit]

Kolarov's trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, a Coppa Italia, and a Supercoppa Italiana as a player, plus a Serie A title as part of Inter's coaching staff. He was named Serbian Player of the Year in 2011, recognizing his outstanding contributions both domestically and internationally. [edit]